Shailesh Vara MP has written to Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council, urging him to consider putting safety barriers along the River Nene in Ramsey.

 

Two years ago, Natalie Scotchford tragically drowned in the River Nene and her friends are now campaigning for the location of the accident to be made safer. Rebecca Elliott-Peck has contacted Mr Vara following which he has written to Mr Lloyd asking him to look into the feasibility of putting up safety barriers along this treacherous piece of road.

 

Mr Vara said:

 

“This is a site on the River Nene which took away the life of Natalie Scotchford, a young woman who had so much to live for. It is important that we do all we can to prevent future tragedies and I have therefore asked the county council to look into the feasibility of putting up safety barriers along this part of the river.

 

I commend Rebecca and her friends in trying to ensure that future tragedies are avoided.”

 

Rebecca Elliott-Peck added:

 

“To put into words how much this campaign means to myself and so many others is not done with ease. However, I will start by saying we are not the first to fight for such protection along this river and until something has been done I can assure you we will not be the last.

 

Protecting the community from any more devastating losses in future is the reason for this campaign and we fight for those who have lost their lives. Many blame the drivers, but never will we be able to 100% guarantee that people will drive with the utmost care. That being the case, the punishment for those that may have had that moment of not being in control should never be a high risk of death.

 

Barriers, no matter the cost, will save lives and provide safer roads for those living in the area, I and many others believe that is vital. How many more will we have to lose before we realise enough is enough? We need to act now.”